The European Union is facing a serious crisis of solidarity: more and more countries are refusing to support new restrictions against Russia. The main reason is the risk of hitting our own national companies.

According to the Financial Times, several large states, Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Portugal, demand exceptions from the 21st package of sanctions or directly block the proposals of Brussels. Because of this, the entire four‑year strategy of support for Ukraine is in jeopardy.

Diplomats acknowledge that disagreements have reached unprecedented levels. The negotiations last week ended in vain. In Brussels, the idea is increasingly being heard that the EU has actually reached the “peak” of its sanctions capabilities — further increasing pressure is no longer possible.

Experts attribute this not only to economic costs, but also to growing political pressure within the EU countries: voters are increasingly reacting to rising prices and declining competitiveness of local businesses. In addition, some States are betting on diversifying supplies and reducing dependence on crisis chains, rather than further tightening restrictions.

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